ABOUT US

Joe Ritch and Michael Elliott represent over 50 years of award winning legal experience, successfully representing clients who have been affected by the harmful conduct of individuals and corporations in some of the largest cases in Texas.

"THE ﻿SAFETY ﻿OF THE PEOPLE SHALL BE THE HIGHEST LAW."

- MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO

When you experience a personal tragedy, due to accident or negligence, you don't have to face it alone.

At Elliott & Ritch, our first priority is to protect your family. We take the time to thoroughly investigate your case and provide you the best settlement possible. From day one, we cover the entire cost of your case. Win or lose, you will never have to pay an out-of-pocket expense.

Ready to seek the justice you deserve?

TAKE ACTION

Many companies these days choose their bottom line over what is good and right for the American People. These choices lead to defective products and workplace incidents that could be avoided.

Our firm offers legal services to clients that are harmed by defective products or predatory companies. We work diligently to make our client's daily lives safer.​

Holding Big Corporations Accountable

Over $14 million in settlements in our first 24 months of business.

Areas of Expertise

Our team of seasoned attorneys and expert investigators goes to work immediately to ensure that we have the information needed to win your case. Our attorneys have hundreds of years of combined experience, representing clients like you in situations just like yours. We know what it takes to get the job done and we do it.

Social Security Disability

Navigating the bureaucracy of SSD can seem like an impossible task. We work with you to get your family the help you need.

Assisting families in times of tragedy

Our Team

​“When I was 10 years old, I was involved in a terrible accident. Driving down a dirt road in Mershon, GA, I was with my Aunt Maveline. I remember I was going on an errand with her. I had a brought a glass of sweet tea with me. It was really a beautiful day. There was no way we could have known how much that day would affect our lives.

We came up to a four way stop at the dirt road, and aunt Maveline was always such a careful driver. We pulled out from the stop, like you are supposed to. This huge dump truck blasted through the stop sign and side swiped us, coming right at me.

All I can remember was a loud noise of a car screeching and glass everywhere. The tea glass I was holding exploded. Shards of glass flew into my face slashing it from my cheek all the way down to my lip. The whole side of my face was just hanging wide open.

I had to have 8- 10 plastic surgeries before my face was actually was put back together again. I was teased horribly as a child with bandages all over my face.

My parents and my grandparents were from South Georgia and they didn’t know how to fight big companies. The truck driver and the company he worked for got away almost scott free. We barely had enough to pay for my surgery. I took what little was left and dedicated my life to fighting for folks that have been in accidents like mine. It became my dream and my dedication to become a lawyer. Through faith and determination, God placed me in the field of products liability. Today, I defend families just like mine against negligent corporations and help them get the compensation they deserve and get back on the road to healing.”

Joseph (“Joe”) E. Ritch obtained his law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2002 where he graduated with honors and published a note on the international Law Journal. After graduating from law school, Joe went on to obtain his L.L.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida, one of the top Tax Law programs in the country.

Joe joined the law firm of Wigington, Rumley, LLP in January of 2007. As an equity partner in October 2011, Joe successfully litigated numerous cases throughout the country and has obtained significant verdicts and settlements. He has litigated cases in Texas, California, Michigan, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, and Ohio. His work on a Texas Dramshop case resulted in the largest dramshop verdict in the State of Texas for 2009.

He has successfully prosecuted various oil and gas well site accidents, against various fortune 500 companies. In addition to oil and gas well site litigation, Joe has expanded his practice into environmental litigation and has worked to represent clients affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010. He is also working in connection with air quality groups around the country to combat defectively designed outdoor woodboilers (OWB’s) that pollute the air.

2009 – Largest Dramshop case in the state of Texas

2010 – Successfully took on big oil companies in the Gulf Disaster

His accomplishments have been featured in Texas Monthly, Verdict Search, Texas Lawyer, and numerous other publications, from Texas to Michigan.

20010-2014 – Top Texas Lawyer, Texas Monthly

​In May of 2014 Joe teamed up with Michael A. Elliott to form the law firm Elliott & Ritch, LLP and pursue earnest dedication to defending families that have been affected by tragedy. Since then, he has successfully represented hundreds of families, resulting in millions of dollars in settlements to families in need.

​Michael Elliott began his career early on his family’s dairy farm where he learned the value of hard work. Working in the building trades while attending college, he was a member of Pipeliner’s Local 798 and the International Brotherhood of Plywood Workers.​Michael graduated from Del Mar College and Corpus Christi State University before securing a job as an Adult Probation Officer for Nueces County.

During his employment with Nueces County he was elected President of the Coastal Bend National Kidney Foundation and acted as a delegate to the National Kidney Foundation. He was Awarded “Outstanding Volunteer” as well as “Top Fund Raiser.” Michael was also volunteer for the Coastal Bend Suicide prevention Hotline and a founding member of the Coastal Bend Rape Crisis center.

In 1984, Michael attended the University of Houston Law School and contemporaneously worked for the Law Firm of Johnson and Tower, one of the leading Personal Injury Firms in the Coastal bend.

Upon Graduation from Law School Michael, continued his avocation of personal injury work and community service. He was subsequently elected to the office of secretary, vice president, and then President of the Corpus Christi Bar Association. He was elected to the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors in 2000. He was selected as panelist and then Chair of the District 11 Grievance Committee.

Since beginning practice Michael has been fortunate enough to handle some of the largest personal injury cases in South Texas. He also began a very successful mediation practice, (having mediated over 5000 cases) along with representing Social Security Disability Clients.

“I believe there is only one way to successfully practice law and that is to have satisfied your clients so well that they pass your name on to family and friends. I use this as the foundation for my practice and it has served me well." -Michael

Samuel ‘Chuck’ Ward, Jr. - Chuck graduated from Louisiana State University in 2001, and then Southern University Law Center in 2004. Following a clerkship, he worked with the firm of Unglesby & Marionneaux in Baton Rouge for two years before opening his own practice in 2007. His practice grew quickly throughout Louisiana and expanded Nationally after a few years.

Chuck has experience as a former Criminal Defense Attorney and Public defender. He has extensive jury trial experience including multiple murder trials as lead attorney. In 2011 a jury unanimously found his client “Not Guilty” of 2nd Degree Murder in fifty five (55) minutes. He has represented physicians, police officers, servicemen, attorneys as well as professional musicians with success.

”I believe that there is no substitute for the experience learned in a Criminal Trial. It is truly ‘trial by fire’. Rarely do you know what the witnesses will say, sometimes they are trained to lie, and you must think on your feet, know when to fight, and know when to be silent, while the most precious commodity hangs in the balance…… Liberty. This experience transitions into the courtroom when taking on the Big Businesses who cause harm to our clients through their actions, inaction or behavior.”

Chuck is a member of the Louisiana Association of Justice, the Louisiana State Bar Association, National Trial Lawyers, American Trial Lawyers Association as well as the Baton Rouge Bar Association He has lectured at multiple conferences and engagements from local law schools to National seminars in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Chuck was named to “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” in Louisiana by the American Trial Lawyers Association, (2010-Present) “Rising Stars” by Super Lawyers Magazine (2013-2016) and Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers. (2012-Present)

Chuck is also actively involved in philanthropic activities. He serves on the Board of Swollfest, which is a charity fishing event that has raised over a million dollars since its inception. Swollfest, along with the Outdoor Wish Foundation, donates time and money for handicapped or disabled children, and provides them the opportunity to hunt and fish despite the obstacles presented by their circumstances. www.swollfest.com​Chuck is married, and has been blessed with one child, Sam.

​Stephen J. Chapman received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business administration from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in 1987. Upon graduation Steve went to Officer Training School for the United States Air Force and became a navigator on the B-52 Stratofortress, serving from 1988 until 1997.​During that time, he received the Air Force Commendation Award and numerous other citations, flying combat missions during Desert Storm in 1991. While still serving in the Air Force Reserve, Steve went to law school at Texas Wesleyan University (Now Texas A&amp;M Law School). During Law School, he founded the Pro Bono Group, served as an intern with the Honorable Judge Jane Boyle of the Northern District of Texas, published a law review article and was an Articles Editor on the Law Review. Steve received his Juris Doctor Degree in 1997.

After graduating from law school, Steve clerked for one year for the Honorable Justice DixonHolman of the 2 nd District Court of Appeals in Fort Worth Texas.After his clerkship, Steve started his own practice in Dallas engaging in Civil Rights law, Business Representation and litigation. After a few years, Steve and his family moved to Corpus Christi where he became an associate in the Firm of Barker, Leon and Fancher. He ultimately became a partner in 2005 handling a variety of insurance and business litigation clients. In 2007, Steve started his own firm again and concentrated on Personal Injury litigation, Business Litigation, Civil Rights and Appeals.

During his career, Steve has first chaired over 60 trials and handled over 50 Appeals at all levels of the Texas Courts, Federal courts and in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals with an excellent success record. He has handled, tried and settled numerous serious injury and death cases, fair Labor Standards Act pay cases, employment discrimination cases for both workers and employers, as well as business related litigation such as shareholders suits, copyrights, business contract disputes and representing Doctors before the Texas Medical Board. Steve was also selected to serve as the Panel chair for the local State Bar Grievance committee in 2014-2015.​Steve has been happily married for 19 years to his beautiful wife Laura and has 3 children,Estevan, Catalina and Sevilla.

ATTORNEY REFERRALS

We pride ourselves on the close working relationships we build with referring attorneys and clients. Our partner firms often consider us an extension of their team and count on us for our expertise and level of service. Many of our clients think of us as extended family and keep in touch, long after their case has settled.

Are you looking for a firm ​that has what it takes​to get your case settled?

Not afraid to take on the big guys

Award-Winning Results

$500,000

Multiple failures.Serious injuries.Settled.

Elliott & Ritch vs. the Auto Industry

It was literally a dark and stormy night in central Louisiana. Our client was driving when a sugar cane truck pulled onto the highway. She slammed on the brakes, but they didn’t engage. On the slick roads, she was unable to control her vehicle and the car came to a crashing halt ¼ mile later.

During the crash, the vehicle showed major failures. The steering wheel broke off and the airbag failed to deploy, as verified by eyewitnesses to the scene. As a result of the collision, she suffered severe injuries consistent with a non-deployed airbag.
While the defendant denied that they had any responsibility for the injuries, we were able to force them to settle with the client for $500,000.

$750,000

Unsafe driving.Rollover accident.Settled.

Elliott & Ritch vs. Large Construction Company

Our client was on his way to work in his 18 wheeler. A similar truck, owned by a large construction company, was headed the other direction, going far too fast for the road conditions. The oncoming driver lost control of his vehicle, jack-knifing the truck and sliding into his lane. There was no way to avoid the collision, and his truck was pushed off of the road and overturned.

He suffered a broken neck and torn rotator cuff. A State Trooper testified that the truck was in the oncoming lane, and still the company denied fault. We successfully represented our client and were able to get him the settlement he deserved.

$500,000

Rear impact.Seatback failure.Settled.

Elliott & Ritch vs. the Auto Industry

Our client was driving when she was struck from the rear by another vehicle. During the rear impact, the driver’s seatback failed rearward causing her to slide up and out of the seat and into the rear of the vehicle. As a result of the seat failure, she suffered severe head and neck injuries. We brought suit claiming a defect in the design of the seatback system of her vehicle. After months of litigation the parties agreed to settle the matter for $500,000.

$500,000

Neglected Maintenance.Permanent Injuries.Won at trial.

Elliott & Ritch vs. TxDOT

As the truck rounded a curve, the driver spotted another vehicle stopped in the roadway. He was faced with a difficult decision: attempt to stop an 80,000 pound truck before slamming into the vehicle or move onto the right shoulder to pass, as allowed by Texas law. As he moved onto the shoulder, a portion of his passenger tire went off the roadway. When Hector's tire brushed the shoulder, the wheel dropped dramatically, causing a complete loss of control of the vehicle, rolling the cab and trailer, and violently jerking Hector out of his seat. He was bounced around inside the cab, causing severe physical trauma requiring multiple surgeries and leaving him permanently disabled, unable to return to his lifelong career as a driver.

Our Community Matters

Working hard to support families in need.

​At Elliott & Ritch, we do things differently...

​Elliott & Ritch, LLP is a nationwide law firm that was born out of a desire to be different from other law firms and lawyers who practice today. This firm’s whole existence is dedicated to making the lives of catastrophically injured clients better. Often times, a person is left to deal with the aftermath of corporate greed and deceit and try to put the pieces of their lives back together. Here at Elliott & Ritch LLP we are committed to helping with that process. Part of that process is to hold the guilty parties accountable for their conduct.

Often, the companies that cause these catastrophic injuries are giant corporations with bottomless resources and unlimited lawyers at their disposal to protect them from their wrongdoing. You need a law firm with the resources and know-how to level the playing field.

The team at Elliott & Ritch LLP is committed to leveling the playing field and holding these companies accountable. With offices in Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia, our nationwide list of clients continues to grow. This firm has represented clients across the gulf coast states of Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida and continues to expand westward to states such as California and Colorado.

Both Michael Elliott and Joseph Ritch spent their youths traveling around this great country, learning that no matter where you are from, right is right and wrong is wrong. If you are looking for a firm who can protect your legal rights and fight some of the biggest companies around, we are your choice.

Our Community Matters

At Elliott & Ritch, our mission is to provide hope to those in need. Whether that means defending our clients against large corporations or giving back to our community, we are dedicated to making the world a better place for the people that live in it.

When we are not helping our clients through difficult times, we are still working to improve the lives of those in need by donating a significant portion of our time to youth activities, environmental clean-up, and supporting local and national homeless resources.

Our goal is to make things better for families that have been affected by tragedy, no matter what the cause. It's not just our calling, it's the right thing to do.

Working 24/7

to keep your family safe.

News Feed

Press

Contact Us Today

for a free consultation.

Contact Us

Toll Free: 1-877-221-5532Contact us today to see how we can help you in your time of need.

To give you the best support in your time of tragedy or distress, we provide direct access to an attorney for clients throughout Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana.

We know how difficult dealing with an accident or injury can be. Win or lose, Elliott & Ritch will cover the entire cost of the case, including research and litigation. You will never have to pay an out-of-pocket expense.​

Contact us today for afree consultation with​an experienced attorney:

SEAT FAILURES

Almost all of the focus on vehicle safety deals with airbags and seat belts, both in the public perception and in the governmental regulation. One part of the vehicle that deserves more attention and awareness as a safety device is the seat itself. If the seat does not stay in its normal position during an accident it makes the seat belts and airbags ineffective.

The seat and headrest are the only safety restraints in a rear-end collision. If you do not stay in the seat in the rear end collision, the headrest, setback, airbags and seat belts cannot protect you. Weak seats will collapse when a vehicle struck from behind. When your seat collapses, it allows your head and neck to impact other parts of the vehicle causing serious injuries or death. Weak seats also endanger rear seat passengers and children in car seats, all of whom can be struck and seriously injured or killed by collapsing front seat driver and/or front passenger seats.

For over half a century, the automobile industry has been failed to recognize that seatback strength is also an essential compound in vehicle safety. It has been shown, and vehicle manufactures know, weak seatbacks collapse rearward when a car is rear-ended at speeds as low at 25 mph. In an rear end collision where the seat collapses backwards the occupant can be fully or partially ejected from the vehicle; be thrown into the rear compartment of the vehicle and strike various structures or parts of the vehicle and even injured rear seat passengers; they can lose control of the vehicle if they are driving for now they can no longer reach the steering wheel. Failure to stay in the seat in an accident can cause sever and permanent injuries.

If you or a loved one have been harmed as the result of a seatback failure, you must act quickly to preserve the evidence necessary to investigate the claim before the vehicle is lost or destroyed. Having the vehicle safely preserved is an important part of preparing a product liability case. ​

​We have a long history of successful seat failure cases.Contact Elliott & Ritch LLP and learn how a knowledgeable attorney can help.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Applying for Social Security Disability can be complicated, confusing, and frustrating process. Elliott & Ritch will be there with you, hand-in-hand, to help you navigate the bureaucracy every step of the way.

​Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program available to those who have suffered long-term disabilities, impairments and mental disorders that have or are expected to prevent them from otherwise holding a steady job or from finding a new line of work for at least 12-continuous months.

Applying for SSDI is a complicated process. Small errors and poor description of limitations in the initial application and/or appeal process often leads to the denial of benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA). For this reason, any application and appeals process should be carefully handled by an experienced advocate who can help claimants obtain the benefits they need.

Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program available to indigent individuals who do not qualify for SSDI because they lack sufficient work experience in a job covered by the SSA. There is a maximum income limitation that determines eligibility for this program. This income limitation is roughly $1,000 per month depending upon your sources of income and other assistance programs you may be on.

The SSI program provides cash to elderly, blind and disabled citizens who have little or no income. It's designed to provide cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. Qualifying individuals can receive the maximum benefit of $721 per month for 2014.

The Five-Step Process

Other than the basic difference in income considerations, the Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to determine if an individual is eligible to receive benefits.The SSA five-step process is as follows:

Are you working? If you are earning over a certain level of wages (usually $1,047 per month), by Social Security standards, you are not disabled. If you are not earning anything or not earning at the specified level, consideration of your impairments based upon medical evidence from your treating sources is considered at step two.

Is your condition considered severe? There are various rules and regulations relied upon by Social Security in determining if your condition is severe by their standards. If it's not considered severe by SSA standards, you are not considered disabled and eligible for benefits. If your medical condition results in limitations of your ability to perform basic work activities — sitting for prolonged periods, standing, lifting 10 pounds or more, etc. and these limitations have last or are expected to last for at least 12 continuous months, your condition is generally considered severe.

Does your impairment or combination of impairments meet or equal a condition on the prescribed Listing of Impairments? If yes, you are considered disabled based on Social Security rules and regulations.

Can you return to previous work or what is referred to as Past Relevant Work? If so, you are considered not disabled under Social Security rules and regulations.

Can you do other work? ​SSA considers your impairment and resulting limitations, education, age and vocational skills. If, under Social Security rules and regulations, it is determined you can do other work, you are found not disabled.

There are many other factors taken into consideration in the processing and development of Social Security disability and SSI disability claims. Some conditions result in an automatic finding of disability and are referred to as a Compassionate Allowance.

Contact the helpful, experienced staff of Elliott & Ritch, LLP, to schedule a free consultation and get the assistance you need.

AIRBAG DEFECTS

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, car accidents happen every minute of the day. Motor vehicle accidents occur in any part of the world every 60 seconds. And if it's all summed up in a yearly basis,there are 5.25 million driving accidents that take place per year. Manufactures of vehicles have studied and monitored the accidents that occur around they world and know that safety devices in their vehicles can be used to mitigate and prevent injuries in the accidents they know will occur. Airbags are one of those safety devices

Airbags are supposed to make drivers feel safer because they are designed to inflate on impact, keeping drivers from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard or windows. Yet oftentimes manufacturing defects can result in air bags that are dangerous, and even deadly. Faulty air bags can cause injuries such as facial fractures; head, neck and spinal cord damage; blindness; ruptured eyes; burns and severe bruising.

There are a number of different airbag defects that can cause serious injury or death to occupants of a vehicle. First, the size of the airbag itself can affect how it interacts with a passenger and upon inflation, causing head, brain and eye injuries. Further, bags that are are not strapped in to minimize movement can move in ways that cause injuries and death to the occupant.

Generally, airbags are designed to deploy during impacts of 20 mph or more. Sometimes the airbag fails to deploy resulting in serious injuries or even death. Other times the airbags deploy when they aren't suppose to, such as running into a curb. When this occurs in low speed type event, the result can be tragic. Many times, when airbag deployment occurs the airbag fails to inflate to full size. This leaves the occupant to move into a half-full airbag.​

Often, manufactures choose to use cheap materials, poorly designed component parts and fail to incorporate state of the art technology. Vehicle manufactures are responsible for ensuring their airbags are safe and effective and should be held liable for any injuries sustained as a consequence of choosing profit over people.

The principals at Elliott & Ritch LLP have litigated and resolved many airbag defects and have the know-how and resources to decide the best strategy for handling your unique case. Our firm can help recover money for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical bills and lost wages or other financial damages.

​If you or a loved on has been injured due to an air bag defect, contact us today for a free consultation.

FUEL-FED FIRES

﻿Cars and Trucks are not suppose to leak fuel after an accident and cause fires. ​Almost all the vehicle manufactures agree that a person should not be able to survive an automobile collision but then die in a fire caused by a leaking fuel system. Despite this well known and accepted principal, post-collision fires happen frequently and when they do the results are tragic.

A well designed and safe fuel system will prevent fuel from leaking after a collision. The fuel system is composed of the fuel tank, the filler neck, the fuel lines, and various component parts that help deliver the fuel from the tank to the engine so that the vehicle will run. Defects in any of the areas of the fuel system can be fatal.

For example, the tank location must be carefully thought out and put in an area where it least vulnerable from impact during a collision. Placing the tank in an area where impacts occur and could reach the tank is a design flaw that has led to the deaths and injuries of countless people over the years. Further, the tank is often made of lightweight aluminum, steel or plastic. These materials are susceptible to damage and must be shielded. The lack of a shield can also compromise the fuel system.

Another common defect in fuel systems is the lack of a check valve or check valve failure. Manufactures have known since the 1930’s that check valves in various parts of a fuel system could keep fuel from escaping from the tank or other parts of the fuel system in rollover accidents and various other collisions. In the 60’s the US government issued a report that it was common for fuel to spill out of the fuel filler neck in the event of a rollover accident. The most common accident type associated with fatal burn injuries are rollover accidents. The addition of a check valve in the filler neck would eliminate this problem. ​

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a post-collision fire, contact the attorneys at Elliott & Ritch, LLP today for a free consultation.

COMMERCIAL TRUCKING ACCIDENTS

​18 wheeler and commercial trucking accidents are very different from your average fender bender.

Many times the accident involves truck driver fatigue, overweight and improper loading, over hours work and falsified log books, truck maintenance and many other issues that are unique to this field of litigation.Having our investigators at the scene quickly after an 18 wheeler and commercial truck accident will preserve the evidence and put us on the same level as the trucking company.

We will hold the truck driver, insurance company, trucking company and any other liable parties fully accountable for your losses and injuries.

If you or a loved one have encountered one of these 18 wheelers or commercial trucks out on the roadway and have and have endured life-altering injuries, such as a spinal cord injury, a herniated disk, brain injury, or lost a loved one to fatal injuries due to a truck wreck, we are here to help.

​Contact us today for a free consultation.

WORKPLACE INJURIES

​In today’s world workers are in every more danger on the job and in the workplace. The culture created by corporations is that of profit over people with the workers bearing the brunt of the danger. Although there are many regulations and laws aimed at protecting the work force, many employees are injured or killed in work-related accidents in the United States each year.

In a recent OSHA study, it was shown that 4,628 workers were killed on the job in a one year period. These numbers are unacceptable and OSHA has developed rules and regulations to help prevent accidents.Many jobs in construction involve potentially dangerous duties that can lead to a serious injury or a fatality. Improper equipment, improper training, and improper supervision lead to incidents that are substantially certain to occur. If contractors and companies would just slow down and spend the time, effort and resources necessary to provide a safe workplace, a large amount of the injuries and deaths would not occur.

When workplace conduct results in serious injury or death, Elliott & Ritch, LLP can help. Our experience in the area of workplace injuries is substantial and we are not intimidated laws aimed at protecting the employer. Many times we find that the conduct of the employer or companies is so egregious that it is actionable. Preservation of the evidence is key to protecting your rights and determining how the incident and accident took place.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a workplace incident, contact the law firm of Elliott & Ritch, LLP today.

ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION

When dealing with environmental issues there are numerous federal regulations and guidelines that are aimed at protecting the environment and the people who live in it. Some of those areas are as follows:

Unfortunately, many companies fail to follow these rules and regulations and instead put the environment and its people in danger. We here at Elliott & Ritch have litigated various cases against companies and manufactures for failing to follow certain environmental guidelines and thereby putting people in danger. ​​

​If you have been affected by a polluting company, we would like to help. Contact us for a free consultation.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Often the result of an accident, brain and spine injuries can devastate your ability to complete even the simplest tasks. These accidents can occur in a vehicle collision, workplace injury, or in many other situations including repetitive stress. Often the result is an injured individual who is paralyzed, or otherwise severely affected, for life.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Each year there are roughly 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries or "TBIs" in the U.S. we hear all the time about concussion syndrome from football players to boxers. Brain injuries often occur during car accidents, but can be caused by almost any bump, blow or jolt to the head.

There doesn't have to be blunt force trauma to the head, the actual stopping quickly can move the brain inside the skull causes the brain to slam against the walls of the skull.

Brain injuries come in may different varieties, from the most severe, where one is now functioning at a level well below where they where prior to the incident, to a mild condition. Concussions are an example of a mild form of brain injury that often leads only to a temporary impairment and possibly a full impairment.

In the more severe brain injury, the person could experience a loss of memory, a change in personality, a decrease in the ability to communicate and understand others, inability to walk or use their motor functions, a decrease in IQ, or a loss of taste.

Spinal Cord Injury

﻿Spinal injuries can devastate your ability to complete even the simplest tasks. The spine contains vital nerves that many of us take for granted until they start to impair our ability to walk, brush our teeth, or even sit for long periods of time.Treatment for these injuries and the resulting care for paralyzed individuals can be brutally expensive. In one year alone, many families accumulate $300,000, $500,000, even $800,000 or more in treatment costs. Surgeries on the spinal cord are extremely expensive as well, and the aftercare for a spinal cord surgery and resulting years of therapy can leave a family financially devastated.

It is critical to consult with an experienced spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible if a serious accident has left you or a family member injured with spinal cord injury. Our spinal cord injury attorneys can help determine if the injury resulted from someone's negligence.

Often individuals with spinal cord injuries are afflicted through no fault of their own. Our attorneys can help you make that determination for free by reviewing the incidents that led to your particular injury. Our attorneys can also help walk you through the steps you need to take to secure your future medical bills and after-care are provided for.

​​If you or a loved one are experiencing these types of symptoms, contact Elliott & Ritch, LLP. We can help.

OIL AND GAS REFINERY EXPLOSIONS

​In the oil industry time is money and the quicker you move, the more money the you make. This type of culture necessarily puts safety as a low priority. Often times, doing a job safely means taking your time. Rushing takes a job that is already dangerous and increases that danger substantially.

Workers are often injured by cylinders that fail, fires or explosions, leaks of gases or chemicals, falls from heights because they had no tie off points or harnesses or improperly constructed scaffolding. Often times there are third parties who are responsible for the incident and workers compensation is not your only form of protection.

An explosion of any kind at a refinery or plant can be devastating to all involved. Often times, the families of workers are left to wonder what happened and why the tragedy occurred.

If you have been injured in a refinery explosion, you need an experienced, qualified law firm working with you. Elliott & Ritch, LLP can help.

Real Estate Law

​​From everyday transactions to legal disputes, handling Real Estate can be a difficult and complicated process. Without the right representation, you are at risk of increased costs, fines, and contract violations that can cause you to lose both your money and your property. On the site, at the mediation table, or in the courtroom, we help you with a lot more than just transfer of title.

Chain of TitleChain of Title is the record of how many times a property title has changed hands, and to who. In situations where there is a dispute over ownership, proper research and handling of the title process is vital. A mistake can mean losing both your funds and your property.

Boundary DisputesYour property boundary should not be a moving thing. The lines between what belongs to you and what belongs to an adjoining property are legally set. If a neighbor is encroaching on or affecting your property through sound or chemical pollution, you don’t have to suffer through it. We are experts at defending your legal right to safety and complete access to your property.

Zoning IssuesEach city or county is divided into separate areas called zones. Within each zone, property owners are limited to specific uses. With hundreds of different zoning codes, the law can be complicated and confusing. If you are involved in a dispute over zoning or need to change how you legally use your land, we can help.

Contract for DeedUnder a Contract for Deed, the buyer continues to regularly pay the seller until the amount owed is paid in full or the buyer finds another way to pay off the balance. The seller continues to hold the legal title to the property until the balance is paid off; the buyer will receive the legal title once they have made all of the payments. If the buyer does not continue to make timely payments, the seller can tale possession of the property. Both buyers and sellers have specific rights and responsibilities that can be difficult to navigate.​Contract DisputesDeveloping or interpreting a contract is a vital process to any legal transaction. If your contract is poorly written, you may be subject to huge expenses or breach of contract. We can help you safeguard against being taken advantage of or limited by illegal or incomplete contracts.​Whether you are buying, selling, or defending your rights, you need someone on your side. The Real Estate team at Elliott & Ritch is here for you, to guide you through the process every step of the way. We help you cut through the red tape to get you the best return possible on your investment.

The team at Elliott & Ritch is ready to help you with your real estate. ​Contact us today for a free consultation!

Wills and Probate

​​​When your loved ones pass, the last thing you want to be focused on is bureaucracy. Unfortunately, the process of legally and fairly distributing an estate can be lengthy and costly if not handled by an experienced attorney. A will may be incomplete, duplicated, or even missing. In cases of an incorrect or incomplete will, the last thing you want is to let the state decide how your loved one would have distributed their estate.

Executor ServicesWithout a personal representative, it is up to a judge to decide how to distribute your family’s estate. Often, this is based on a legal interpretation of a textbook definition. We work with the court as your representative to get what is best for your family and the fairest distribution of assets for everyone involved.

Contest of WillIf a will is incomplete, unclear, or even incorrect, you need legal representation to help make it right. We work with you and the court to find the best outcome for everyone concerned and help you get back to caring for your family.

Interstate ProceedingsWhen family members are in different states, conflicting laws can make probate services complicated and may take years to sort out on your own. We help you overcome the legal hurdles and distribute the estate as quickly as possible.

Intestate successionWhen a love one dies without a will, an attorney must be notified. If there is no attorney, the estate may default to the state. Attorney administration is necessary for all eligible heirs are accounted for.

The experienced Probate team at Elliott & Ritch is here for you. We help you navigate the difficulties of estate settlement, so that you can get back to supporting your family through this difficult time.

When your loved one passes, we are here to help. ​Contact us today for a free consultation.

Foreclosures

​​The worst case scenario for a homeowner is foreclosure. The bank may attempt to take away your house, leaving your family without a home and in a desperate situation. Even after you lose your home, you may find yourself owing thousands of dollars on a property you no longer own. You don’t have to face this alone. You need an expert on your side that is knowledgeable and willing to take on big banks in your defense. We are ready to support your family through these difficult times.

Loan ModificationA loan modification may save your home while reducing your monthly payments to a reasonable amount. Loan modifications not only provide you with options, they halt the foreclosure while negotiations are in process and may result in a win/win for both you and the banks.

Right of RedemptionIf you are able to pay a portion of the mortgage in a set amount of time, you may be able to avoid foreclosure altogether.Improper Service/Lack of NotcieThe bank in charge of the foreclosure process is legally required to provide proper notice in a reasonable time, including a legal Summons that notifies you that there is a lawsuit against you. If they don’t, they may not be able to foreclose on the property at all. Sometimes, technicalities like the color of paper or the type of text a notice uses can be the difference between whether or not you lose your property.

Lack of StandingOften, mortgage companies have sold your loan to another party. If they do not legally hold the loan, they are not able to affect your mortgage or home.

In cases of a foreclosure, the bank is counting on you not knowing your rights. They may send letters that are misleading and if legal documents are not served properly, you may be entitled to more time and/or renegotiation. If you suspect you may be in danger of foreclosure or have received any correspondence saying you are subject to it, do not waive your rights. Contact us immediately. You may have options.

If you are involved in a foreclosure, we are here to help. ​Contact us today for a free consultation.